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KeyBank's Key Secured Credit Card® Program Achieves Milestone

KeyBank has made headlines with its Key Secured Credit Card® program, which has now seen over 48,000 clients successfully graduate since its launch in 2019. The impact of this initiative is significant, with more than 4,600 clients graduating in just the first half of 2026 alone. This program serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals looking to improve their credit scores and achieve financial stability, particularly those who may not have previously had access to traditional credit opportunities.

Understanding the Graduation Stats

Recent data shows that 68% of graduates completed the program within a year, and 85% within two years of enrollment. This rapid turnaround in credit scores underscores the program's effectiveness. Particularly striking is the fact that 74% of these graduates entered the program with no FICO® score, while the remaining 26% started with a low score. On average, clients who began with low scores saw an uptick of 86 points upon graduation, whereas those starting without a score graduated with an impressive average FICO Score of 724.

The Program's Goal and Benefits

The overarching aim of the Key Secured Credit Card program is to enhance financial wellness by allowing clients to either build or improve their credit history. The program not only helps participants establish credit but also encourages better savings habits and financial management. Once clients graduate, their secured credit card transitions to an unsecured status, releasing previously pledged funds from their Key Active Saver® account.

This transformative process is more than just about numbers. It emphasizes education on the importance of maintaining strong credit and provides the necessary tools for achieving it. Maria Ponce, Head of Consumer Payments at KeyBank, articulates this commitment: “At Key, we're passionate about helping our clients understand the importance of building and maintaining strong credit, as it's an important building block to a solid financial future.”

Real-Life Impact on Clients

The importance of this program is reflected in the positive testimonials from graduates. Many narrate their journeys to credit success, emphasizing how the secured card helped them rebuild after setbacks. One client remarked, “Having the Secured Card allowed me to build my credit after divorcing destroyed it.” Another added, “It just helped me to build my credit to the point where I was able to take out a car loan and get an unsecured credit card.” These stories shed light on the program's far-reaching impacts beyond just metrics.

Continuous Improvement and Enhancements

Every year, KeyBank is dedicated to enhancing the client experience, ensuring that the tools offered are maximally beneficial. Recent enhancements include clearer communication regarding available tools and resources to further support credit-building efforts.

In 2024, a Credit Line Increase program was introduced, which has led to over 10,000 graduates receiving an increased credit line, thereby boosting their purchasing power. Additionally, the Invitation to Apply campaign, launched in June 2025, reached over 6,100 graduates, urging them to explore traditional credit card options available at KeyBank.

Looking ahead, new live workshops titled 'Money Me and Key' are set to be introduced in 2027, aimed at helping clients navigate the lending landscape better. This initiative will extend beyond current Key Secured Credit Card clients, allowing a broader audience access to valuable financial education.

Key Features and Ongoing Support

The Key Secured Credit Card program also offers several client-friendly features, including free access to their FICO scores through online banking and a temporary lock security feature for added peace of mind. The refundable security deposit required for the card begins at $300, allowing clients to build credit while saving simultaneously. Furthermore, there’s no annual fee, making this an attractive proposal for those on a journey to financial recovery.

In summary, KeyBank's Secured Credit Card program is making a considerable impact on the financial landscape of its clients by empowering them to build their credit and achieve economic stability. The program's sustained success, marked by thousands of graduates, is a testament to its value and effectiveness in changing lives for the better.